Running your business abroad? Here is everything you need to know
We live in the age of the internet, where more and more people are taking their business online. There is very little that cannot be handled via the internet and if the pandemic has taught us anything it is how to carry out our lives through a Wi-Fi connection. Those of us who run a business have started to see the benefits of remote working, one of which is that you can work from anywhere in the world. Here are our top tips for running your business abroad.
Get the right software for the job
If you are working from somewhere else in the world then you need software that you can rely on. Arguably the most important software to consider is your invoicing software as keeping your finances in check is integral to the success of your business. You can access all your records from anywhere with an internet connection, keeping it all orderly and stored away safely behind firewalls. Invoicing software lets you issue professional invoices in seconds and helps you get paid faster as well as keeping accurate records of what you are owed and what you have been paid.
Embrace the cloud
It is not only finances that you will need to access remotely, you will also have to invest in some other cloud-based software to store various kinds of documentation and allow for collaboration between colleagues or clients. No more bulky filing cabinets or piles of documents, everything will be stored online and protected against any kind of disaster that may befall you. You can use OneDrive for easy collaboration or browse different document management software to find the right one for you.
Do not let your communication suffer
Communication is more important than ever when you are working remotely, especially if you are in an entirely different country. You need to maintain strong communication channels with your colleagues, your suppliers, and your clients. Stay on top of your correspondence and book regular meetings with your staff to ensure everyone (including yourself) is fully up to date and on the same page. Services like GoToMeeting or Zoom are crucial for getting in some face-to-face time no matter where you are.
Use mobile-friendly equipment
This might seem obvious – if you are working remotely then you need equipment that is portable and easy to take with you wherever you travel to. Spend a decent amount of money on a quality laptop (and make sure you have comprehensive insurance) and a mobile phone that you know you can rely on when you are away from the office. If you have employees then you should be uniform in the kind of equipment they use also, get them laptops or tablets and mobiles so they can work remotely just as efficiently.
Outsource your IT support
If you work from a central hub then you might want an onsite IT department on hand during working hours but if you are working remotely then there is not much need for your own IT department. You can save money by outsourcing your IT support who are used to fixing issues remotely and are available to help 24 hours a day.